View full sizeCarlton Valentine announced on Tuesday he is leaving his post as coach of the Lansing Sexton boys basketball team, with whom he won two Class B state titles.Sparrow Hospital video screenshot

Valentine won four Class B district, three regional and two state championships -- back to back in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 -- during his seven seasons at the helm for the Big Reds. He was named the 2011 Detroit Free Press Coach of the Year.

Valentine also played four years of college basketball at Michigan State from 1985 to 1988.

Jalen Hayes, who played on Valentine's last four squads, including the back-to-back state championship teams, said on Tuesday he hadn't heard the news of his coach's resignation.

"I'm not even too sure about it, but it is what it is," Hayes said. "I know he's built a legacy there at Sexton with all the championships and state championships. If he is stepping down, I know it's for a good reason."

Hayes, who is set to play college basketball at Oakland in the upcoming season, is one of several players Valentine coached who made a Division I roster. Others include his sons, Anthony Clemmons (Iowa) and Bryn Forbes (Cleveland State).

Valentine and officials from the Lansing School District did not return calls seeking comment.